Builders say they are discouraging the use of river sand in constructions and maximising the use of m-sand for the same.
John Thomas, secretary, Confederation of Real Estate Developers Associations of India-Kochi chapter, said that they are limiting the use of river sand only for plastering and using m-sand for the rest.
“Moreover, the price of river sand is skyrocketing and now it stands at Rs 60 for one cubic feet,” he said.
Thomas said that those building individual houses are resorting to the use of river sand.
“We ensure that our contractors use quality sand for our work and do not generally enquire from where they procure this.”
Alex P. Cyriac, state chairman of Builders Association of India (BAI)-Kerala chapter, said that they are encouraging the use of m-sand for even plastering.
“We have regular suppliers for river sand and other kinds of natural sand. We do not enquire about their origin but ensure the quality,” he said.